Bergisel Ski Jumping Hill

4.1

Rating

4.1/5

Flyctory.com Pros

Interesting to explore the hill and its facilities
Great view over Innsbruck

Flyctory.com Cons

Poor gallery / no proper exhibition about the place
Limited public transport

The Bergisel Ski Jumping Hill is definitely one of the most famous and iconic venues in winter sports. Having been host of the Olympic Games in 1964 and 1976, it was part of big competitions in the Austrian city of Innsbruck. Nowadays, it is especially important as the third event of the annual Four Hills tournament. During a visit in November 2024, this space was quite high on my bucket list. Let’s take you there in my review.

Bergisel Ski Jumping Hill – Location & Admission

The Bergisel mountain and thus the ski jumping hill is located in the South of the city of Innsbruck. It is not that easy to get there by public transport. It is an uphill walk from Stubaitalbahnhof, served by tram line 1 and the panoramic tram 6. Bus 589 stops at Tirol Panorama, the panoramic painting is some five minutes away from the entrance. For visitors, the Sightseer bus line S is the best option. It is also stopping at Tirol Panorama. However, this one is not included in normal public transport tickets. There are also some parking lots around. In case of any events, though, I would rather recommend to opt for public transport.

Admission to the Ski Jumping Hill as a visitor is possibile daily apart from Tuesday between 9:00 and 17:00. Sports events held there are excluded, of course. Adult admission is 11 Euro.

Bergisel Ski Jumping Hill – The Stadium

Even though there has been ski jumping at Bergisel in the late 1920’s already, the hill as it is known today has been built in 1964. Nowadays, it comes with a hill size of 128 meters and a hill record of 136 meters. The 50m high tower is rather characteristic. One characteristic is the rather short, steeply uphill facing breaking area. As all ski jumping venues, the hill is rather steep. You enter the area rather close to the typical landing area of the ski jumpers. During your visit, you can round around the stands and also climb the hill. You may, of course, not visit the ski jumping area itself.

As you see, the views from the ground are amazing. At the end of the run-off-area, on the opposite uphill side, there are the two Olympic Games, the flame for the Olympic Youth Games 2012 and commemorative signs for all the medal winners of these events.

Bergisel Ski Jumping Hill – The Lift

During your visit, you can use stairs to get up to the tower. Most people, however, go for the cabin of the inclined lift, which is departing close to the entrance and ends next to the jump-off platform. There is an intermediate stop, but this one is not used for the public, only for jumping events. It is a nice way to explore the facilities during your trip up the hill. During my visit, I used the lift uphill, but then went for a downhill walk down the hill, which was overall quite nice. Unfortunately, at a few spots on the walking route, handrails are missing or overgrown by bushes.

Bergisel Ski Jumping Hill – From the Ski Jumping Hill

The key part of your visit is of course visiting the tower of the ski jumping hill. You need to take an elevator from the end of the incline lift. The lower level features the restaurant, while the upper level is hosting the viewing platform. I first explored the upper level, which is especially giving you amazing views of Innsbruck and the surrounding mountains. There are windows at the sides of the towers. However, these do not disturb or distract the view. If you have a look to the South and South-West, you also see the A13 motorway heading towards Brenner and Italy.

You have to go through the restaurant to visit the in fact start of the Bergisel Ski Jumping Hill. Even though I have visited a couple of these places, the steepness of them is always catching. You also do not see the area, where you in fact land after your jump from there. Due to the perspective, it looks like there is a cemetery right behind the end of the hill – in fact, there is quite a gap (and height difference) between these two spots.

Bergisel Ski Jumping Hill – Services

The restaurant in the tower is a very popular place among visitors. With its large glass windows, it also offers lovely views. You should reserve a table early in advance, though. Close to the entrance, there is a gallery, which is quite nice. Unfortunately, it felt like this place is also used as a storeroom during my visit. That did not feel too friendly. There should also be some interactive exhibits. These were not in use, though. Toilets are in the tower as well as close to the entrance.

There is also a small store with a nice range of souvenir items right next to the downhill station of the incline lift.

Bergisel Ski Jumping Hill – My View

For me as a sports fan, visiting the Bergisel Ski Jumping Hill was a truly remarkable event. Going up to the tower and enjoying the view was lovely and I absolutely recommend it during a sunny day. The traffic connects could be better. Furthermore, the gallery in the state it was during my visit was not welcoming at all and definitely harmed my visit. Overall, there could be a bit more guidance during your visit as well.